*Collaborative post.

If you have spent time with your friends or family, surely you have heard one of them mention allergies. If you have not, this blog will teach you about it. After all, your immune system is uniquely efficient if you have never had an allergic reaction.

But I suppose you sometimes sneeze, cough, or experience inflammation for no apparent reason. This may be because of an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction arises when your immune system interprets a foreign substance as harmful. They are reactions following the perception of an allergen by the body, which it then tries to remove from the body.

Types of Allergens

Various things cause allergies. They include pollen, foods, mold, animal dander, latex, insect venom, and dust mites. The substances are referred to as allergens. The symptoms of most of these allergens are similar. The treatment also is similar in most cases. Immunotherapy is advised to control the allergic response if the allergic reaction is severe.

Allergy Treatment

Allergy medications are available in different forms. There are injections, pills, nasal sprays, creams, and liquids. The treatment of allergies is dependent on what a person is allergic to. Often when you see a doctor, they will tell you what you are allergic to.

Avoid the Allergen

Prevention is better than cure. The best way to treat and avoid allergic reactions is to avoid what triggers the reaction. Through this, you will know and stay away from it. For example, avoid a type of food if it has an allergen. Oral cromolyn is prescribed for food allergens. A diet change is the first option.

Antihistamines

Allergic reactions can be treated with OTC drugs. Drugs such as antihistamines. Histamine is the chemical that causes an allergic reaction. By reducing histamine production, the allergic symptoms and reactions will reduce. You can also take an antihistamine if you expect to make contact with an allergen. They are used to prevent allergies.

Antihistamines can be orally or nasally introduced or given as eye drops. Oral histamine reduces swelling and nose symptoms, among other symptoms. Nasal sprays minimize sinus swelling, sneezing, and itchy nose. Eye drops are given when the symptoms include swollen eyes, watery eyes, and itchy eyes.

Decongestants

When sinuses swell, or the nose is blocked, antihistamines will not work. Decongestants might and so are used to unblock the nose and counter related symptoms. The drugs should be used only in the short term because they can worsen the symptoms.

Also, if the nose is blocked, you can rinse it with saline to clear the air passage and remove the allergen. Decongestants are available as pills, liquids, and nasal sprays. Conditions, where decongestants are used, include hay fever.

Anti-inflammation Drugs

Anti-inflammatory medicines are used when the individual’s symptoms cause swelling, cramping, and pain.

Creams and Lotions

Skin reactions from allergens can be treated using creams and lotions. The creams have soothing properties that treat itchiness, scaling, and swelling. The creams also contain corticosteroids that contain anti-inflammation properties.

Inhalers

For asthmatic patients, asthma medications such as inhalers are offered. Inhalers contain corticosteroids. Corticosteroids counter airborne allergies and are used to treat conditions such as asthma. The inhalers may sometimes contain bronchodilators.

Severe Allergy Treatment Options

Some people have chronic allergies. It would be best to visit a doctor for a stronger diagnosis and medication options for these situations. The allergy might be mild or severe. The doctor prescribes drugs depending on the allergen.

Immunotherapy

Some of the options for severe allergy are immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is more than 90 % effective in fighting and suppressing allergic reactions. This is the probable option if an individual cannot control their allergens with the above measures.

The medication is a purified extract of allergen extracts. The drug is administered in small doses from time to time. The dose may be an injection, tablet, or oral drops. With time the body gets used to the allergen and does not overreact to it in real situations. The medication can rarely cause anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis

This is a severe allergic reaction that can even be fatal. Anaphylaxis happens when the allergic reaction is so intense, causing the body to go into a state of shock. People at the risk of anaphylaxis carry injections referred to as Adrenaline auto-injectors. They inject themselves on the thigh when they experience allergic reactions. This allows them to be able to ask for medical help.

Anaphylaxis is so severe that it may cause organ injury or cause coma, or death. The symptoms include throat swelling, breathing difficulty, and other allergic symptoms.

The injection contains epinephrine or adrenaline. These increase the work rate of the heart to allow normal blood flow. If someone experiences anaphylaxis near you, use the EpiPen on them and call 911. You are also advised to move the allergen away from them.

Biological Medications

These are medications that prevent the immune system’s allergic reaction to allergens. The medicine are dupilumab and omalizumab. Omalizumab treats asthma, and dupilumab prevents skin reactions. These medications are given as an injection. Side effects include irritation at the injection site, itchy skin, and irritation of the eyes.

Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers are medications to avoid asthma attacks. They reduce allergen concentration in the nose and reduce sneezing and itchiness of the nose and the eyes. The dose action prevents the leukotriene chemical activity. The chemical causes nose swelling and excess mucus production. The only drug approved with these properties is Singulair. Side effects of its use include headache, nausea, nasal congestion, and nervousness.

Are allergies curable?

Allergies are not curable. The symptoms can only be managed using medications and avoidance measures. In severe cases, more effective measures are advised. If you are experiencing an allergic reaction, you can visit an otolaryngologist nearby. For more information, you can visit a Philadelphia ENT specialist.